If you have ever
been to a military funeral in which taps were played;
the following brings a new
meaning of it.

Here is
something Every American should know. I guarantee this will bring
tears to the eyes of many.

We in the
United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps". It's the song that gives
us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.But, do
you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to
find out about its humble beginnings.

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain
Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison 's Landing in Virginia . The
Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay
severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate
soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back
for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain
reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.When
the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a
Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.

The
Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy
had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling
his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors
to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request
was only partially granted.The
Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral
dirge for his son at the funeral.The
request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.But,
out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one
musician.The
Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he
had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.

The
haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" , used at military funerals was born.The
words are :Day is done..Gone
the sun.
From the lakes.
From the hills. From the sky.All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.Fading light. Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky. Gleaming bright.From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.
Thanks and praise.
For our days
Neath the sun. Neath the stars.
Neath the sky.
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh.I too have felt the chills while listening to "Taps" but I have never seen all
the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one
verse. I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had
either so thought I'd pass it along.